Method of controlling loose sands and the like

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an improved method of controlling loose or incompetent sands and the like in a subterranean formation wherein a hydrocarbon liquid, having a consolidating fluid dissolved and dispersed therein to control the viscosity and spread of the consolidating fluid, is introduced into the formation and the consolidating fluid is caused to harden thereby consolidating loose sands into a permeable mass.

United States Patent [191 Games et a].

1 1 3,776,311 [451 Dec. 4, 1973 METHOD OF CONTROLLING'LOOSE SANDS AND THE LIKE Y Inventors: James D. Carnes; Bill M. Young; Kenneth D. Totty, all of Duncan, Okla.

Halliburton Company, Duncan, Okla.

Filed: Sept. 25, 1972 App]. No.: 292,050

Assignee:

Us (:1 166/295, 166/276, 61/36 R Int. Cl E02d 3/14, E2lb 33/138 Field of Search 61/35, 36 R;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1961 Nesbitt et a1. 166/276 x 8/1965 Young 166/295 11/1966 Walther et a1. 166/295 3,291,214 1211966 Hower 166/295 3,294,166 12/1966 Havenaar et al.. 166/295 3,297,089 1/1967 Spain 166/295 3,621,915 11/1971 Bruist et a1. 166/276 3,646,999 3/1972 Hamby, Jr. et a1. 61/36 R 3,692,116 9/1972 Sparlin 166/295 Primary ExaminerStephen J. Novosad AttorneyJ0hn H. Tregoninget al.

[57] ABSTRACT The present invention relates to improved method of controllingloose or incompetent sands and the like 1 52 Claims, No Drawings -Bezemer et a1 166/295 METHOD OF CONTROLLING LOOSE SANDS AND THE LIKE This invention relates to an improved method of con-' solidating loose sands or sands which will subsequently become incompetent in a subterranean formation and more particularly, to controlling such sands by forming a hard permeable mass in and/or adjacent to the formation.

A variety of sand control methods and techniques have been developed and employed heretofore to pre vent the migration of loose sands and the like with the movement of fluids in subterranean formations. A particularly successful method of achieving control of such sands involves placing a consolidating fluid into the formation and thereafter causing the consolidating fluid to harden into a permeable mass so that fluids can be pro duced from the formation or injected therein, but loose sands and the like are prevented from migrating with the movement of the fluids. By the present invention an improved method of the type described above for controlling loose sands is provided wherein more effective utilization and spreading of the consolidating fluid is achieved and damage to formations of relatively low permeability is minimized.

The method of the present invention basically comprises combining a consolidating fluid with a hydrocarbon liquid in a manner such that a portion of the consolidating fluid is dissolved in the hydrocarbon liquid and a portion of the consolidating fluid is-dispersed as an immiscible phase therein. The quantitative distribution of the consolidating fluid between the dissolved and dispersed phases is controlled to achieve desired consolidating fluid viscosity and other properties, and the resultant consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid mixture is introduced into the formation. Thereafter, the consolidating fluid is caused to harden so that a portion of the loose sands contained in the formation and/or particulated solids deposited against the formation are consolidated into a hard permeable mass. In another aspect .of the present invention, a portion of cous consolidating fluids used to penetrate and coat solids in the formation can be effectively treated by the method of the present invention. This is, by the present invention the viscosity of the consolidating fluid is controlled in a manner such that the consolidating fluid is introduced to the formation without compacting the formation or otherwise causing damage thereto. Formations of relatively low permeability which contain clays, particularly those containing clays of the water swellable type, are effectively treated by the method of the present invention through control of the viscosity of the dispersed immiscible portion of the consolidating fluid and/or dissolved consolidating fluid; and in a preferred form of the invention through shrinking and coating of the clays by the dissolved portion of the consolidating fluid. That is, the portion of the generally thicker consolidating fluid dissolved in the relatively thin hydrocarbon liquid readily enters the formation and shrinks the clays by water removal prior to or simultaneously with their coating with the immiscible consolidating fluid. A more effective utilization and spreading of a unit volume ofconsolidating fluid is achieved by the present invention due to the presence the hydrocarbon liquid becomes dissolved in the con- 1 solidating fluid and the consolidating fluidhydrocarbon liquid solution is dispersed as an immiscible phase in the remaining hydrocarbon liquid. The

particular quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in the consolidating fluid is controlled to achieve desired consolidating fluid viscosities and other properties.

The step of controlling the quantitative distribution of consolidating fluid between the dissolved phase and dispersed immiscible phase in the hydrocarbon liquid or the step of controlling the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in the consolidating fluid is accomplished by controlling the particular quantities of consolidating fluid and hydrocarbon liquid used and the temperature of the consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liq uid mixture. In addition, the type and composition of the particular consolidating fluid used as well as the type and composition of the hydrocarbon liquid used influences the quantitative distribution of the consolidating fluid in the hydrocarbon liquid. This control of the consolidating fluidh,ydrocarbon liquid mixture,

of dissolved consolidating fluid in the carrier liquid combined with a dispersed immiscible consolidating fluid phase therein.

A variety of consolidating fluids and/0rconsolidating fluid mixtures can be utilized in accordance with the method of the present invention. The consolidating fluid used must Bifiiiibf partial dissolution in the hydrocarbon liquid used, and the hydrocarbon soluble or miscible portion of the consolidating fluid must be reactable with or polymerizable with the immiscible portion of the consolidating fluid; or it must be capable of undergoing self-polymerization. Preferably, the soluble component of the consolidating fluid is self-polymerizable and, as mentioned above, possesses the property of clay treating, i.e., shrinks water swollen dampen maql t rswi h, and 251$ aasws t ss agent for loose sands and other solids to be consolidated.

Particularly suitable consolidating fluidsare formed of a resin material combined with one or more monomeric materials capable of copolymerization with the resin. For example, furan resins, phenol-formaldehyderesins, urea-formaldehyde resins, and melamine resins are suitable for use in accordance with the present invention and can be combined with one or more suitable monomeric materials, dependent on resin used, such as phenols, formaldehydes, furfuryl alehol and furfural. Epoxy resins can be used by themselves or in combination with reactive diluents such as liquid monoepoxides derived from the reaction of epichlorohydrin and monohydroxyl compounds, i.e., allyl glycidyl ether, butyl glycidyl ether, and phenyl gylcidyl ether. Other reactive diluents are styrene oxide and octylene oxide and aliphatic diepoxides such as diglycidyl ether or resorcinol. The foregoing resins and diluted'resins can be combined with furfuryl alcohol, phenols and furfural, and polyester resins can be used combined with styrene to form suitable consolidating fluid mixtures. in additon, two or more monomeric materials capable of copolymerization with each other, e.g., phenol and formaldehyde, and urea and formaldehyde, can be utilized, or a single monomeric material capable of self-polymerization can be used, e.g., furfuryl alcohol, furfural or styrene.

As is well understood by those skilled in the art,the particular consolidating fluid used may contain a vari-' cty of other materials which impart desired properties to the consolidating fluid such as clay treating properties, heat resistance, improved pour properties, higher flash points, lower or higher viscosity, etc. Examples of such materials are resin plasticizers, coupling agents and surfactants. Resin plasticizers such as diethyl phthalate have desirable clay treating and other propcrties and become a part of the final set resin. Coupling agents such as organosilicon compounds promote stronger resin-to-sand bonding, and surfactants func-, tion to lower interfacial tensions between the consolidating fluid and hydrocarbon carrier liquid as well as to break emulsions and water blocks in the formation and otherwise generally clean the formation to better accept the bonding material.

A preferred group of consolidating fluid mixtures particularly suitable for use in accordance with the present invention consists of liquid organic acid curable thermosetting resins, chemicals which undergo self-polymerization, and mixtures thereof. Examples of such organic acid curable resins are furfuryl alcohol resin, phenol-aldehyde resins, e.g., phenolformaldehyde resin, urea-aldehyde resins, e.g., ureaformaldehyde, melamine resin, e.g., melamine formaldehyde resin, ad acid-curable epoxy resins. Examples of chemicals which undergo self-polymerization in the presence of acid catalysts or hardening agents or with sufficient heat are furfuryl alcohol and furfural. These latter two chemicals also possess the ability to copolymerize or react with the above-described resinous materials and have clay treating as well as sand wetting properties. Thus, consolidating fluid mixtures which are particularly preferred for use in accordance with the persent invention are those containing furfuryl alcoho] and/or furfural and phenol-formaldehyde resin, urea formaldehyde resin, furfuryl alcohol resin, mela mine resin or epoxy resin.

Another preferred group of consolidating fluid mixtures for use in accordance with the method of the present invention includes epoxy resins which are hardenable by both acid and nonacid chemicals, polyester resins which are hardenable by free radical curing agents and phenol-formaldehyde resins which are hardenable by base or alkaline type chemicals. For example,- commercially available epoxy resins can be hardened or cured by contact with amines, phenol-formaldehyde resins are available which are alkaline set and polyester resins are available which are set by a variety of chemicals as will be described further hereinbelow.

A variety of hydrocarbon liquids may be utilized in accordance with the method of the present invention. For example, diesel oils, kerosenes, petroleum oil crudes, mineral oils and aromatic oils may be utilized.

Liquid aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons having vispropylamine,

ln carrying out the method of the present invention, a particular consolidating fluid mixture and hydrocar bon liquid are used which will bring about the desired results in the particular formation to be treated. For example, if the formation to be treated is of relatively low permeability and includes water sensitive clays, a relatively low viscosity hydrocarbon carrier liquid such kerosene and a furfuryl alcohol-resin consolidating fluid mixture are used. The dissolved furfuryl alcohol component of the consolidating fluid brings about the shrinking of the clays and conditioning of the formation as the consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid mixture is injected therein. The particular consolidating fluid and hydrocarbon carrier liquids selected are combined in quantities such that at the temperature at which the resultant mixture is injected into the formation a desired portion of the consolidating fluid is dissolved in the hydrocarbon liquid and a desired portion is dispersed therein or a portion of the hydrocarbon liquid is dissolved in the consolidating fluid. As previously described, the viscosity of the consolidating fluid and treating properties of the consolidating fluid hydrocarbon liquid mixture are controlled in this manner. Once the consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid mixture has been prepared, it is injected into the formation to be consolidated in a conventional manner. As will be understood, oil or water preflush solutions containing clay treating chemicals, surfactants, etc., may be injected into the formation ahead of the consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid mixture to precondition the formation. Once placed in the formation the consolidating fluid is caused to set or harden.

The hardening or curing of the consolidating fluid can be brought about in a variety of ways depending upon the particular consolidating fluid used. Generally, the curing of the consolidating fluid is accomplished by contacting the consolidating fluid with a catalyst or a hardening agent. The hardening agent may be a component part of the consolidating fluid mixture or a part of an overflush or preflush solution or gaseous carrier injected into the formation after or before the consolidating fluid has been placed therein. The hardening agent may also be a component in the hydrocarbon liquid, or a combination of the above precedures may be used.

A variety of chemicals may be used as hardening agents, dependent upon the particular consolidating fluid used. A preferred group of hardening agents for use with the consolidating fluids mentioned above is acid or acid-producing chemicals. Examples of such acid forming hardening agents are acyl halide com pounds such as phthaloyl, furmaryl and benzoyl chloride and oil soluble halogenated organic acids and acidproducing chemicals such as trichloroacetic acid, hexachloroacetone, benzotrichloride, etc. These acids or acid-forming hardening agents are preferably introduced into the formation as a part of an overflush solution formed of hydrocarbon liquids such as diesel oil, kerosene, mineral oil, or aromatic hydrocarbon solvents.

Suitable chemicals which can be used for curing the commercially available epoxy resins mentioned above are amine curing agents. e.g., dimethylaminobenzyldimethylamine, diethylaminopropylamine, diethylenetriamine, metaxylene diamine. metaphenylene diamine, diaminodiphenylmethane. piperidine. tridimethylaminomethylphenol. etc. Acid that the formation to be tre ated is cleaned of: foreign" anhydrides suitable for curing agents are, for example, oxalic, phthalic, pyromellitic dianhyd'ride, dodecynylI succinic anhydride. hexahydrophthalic anhydrideQ methylbicyclo-(ZQJ)-5-heptene-2-3 dicarboxylic an- 7 hydride. 5

such consolidating fluids are methylethylketone peroxl5 ide, azobisisobutyronitrile tertiarybutylhydroperoxide.

Styrene is self-polymerizable with appropriate curing agents.

An alternate technique which may be employed in carrying out the present invention involves the intro- 0 duction of a quarttity of particulatedsolids, e.g., sand,

into the consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid mixture so that the solids are coated with a portion of the consolidating fluid. The resulting hydrocarbon liquid consolidating fluid mixture is introduced into the formation so that the resins coated solids transported in the hydrocarbon liquid are deposited against the formaftion. The portion of the consolidating fluid dissolved in the hydrocarbon liquid is carried into the formation and is deposited on the formation solids contained therein. Upon the hardening of the consolidating fluid,

the particulated solids deposited against the formation are consolidated into a hard permeable mass. In this technique, the quantitative distribution of the consoli-- dating fluid between dissolved and dispersed immiscible phases in the hydrocarbon carrier liquid is controlled in the manner described above to achieve de- I sired fluid properties and results.

In addition, the viscosity of the hydrocarbon liquid may be varied to transport sand concentrations of from 0.5 lb per gallon to 15-20 lbs per gallon. That is, the viscosity of the hydrocarbon liquid may be varied in the range of from about 1 cps to over 1,000 cps at 78 F in order to facilitate the suspension and carrying of the parttculated solids.

Clean-out or preflush solutions can be utilized prior to carrying out the method of the present invention so material such as drilling mud and other treating chemicals. In addition,a preflush solution can be pumped into the formation containing one or more surface active agents so that desirable surface properties are given to the sands and other solids in the formation.

The following examples are set forth to more clearly illustrate the present invention, but are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 A variety of consolidating fluid mixtures are prepared havingthe compositions given in Table I.

TABLE I. -C0nsolidating fluid mixtures Composition, parts by volume Phenol- F rfuryl fl h c l E u e y P Furfuryl alcohol alcohol resin resin resin consolidatconsoliconsoliconsoliitig fluid datin sting dating Component (A) (B) 'flui fluid fluid Furfuryl alcohol resin. 100 Phenol formaldehyde 100 resin. Epoxy resin I00 Gamma-aminopropyl- 1.5 1.0 1.5 l .5

q ys la e .Furfuryl alcohol...; Diethylphthalaten. ,Surfactant Surfactant...

Water ourusz 21 3 7, a furfuryl 515011 Hooker Chemical Co., Durez Divisio a m D l a p en e yde resin manufactured by the Hooker Chemical Co., Durez Division. 7 C EPON 828, an epoxy resin manufactured by the Shell Chemical 1 A resin to sand coupling agent. A resin plasticizer which possesses desirable clay-treating properties.

'An oil soluble and dispersible blend of alkyl aryl sultonates and complex nonionic compounds.

A cationic surfactant blend. A furfuryl alcohol resin consolidating fluid [composition (A) shown in Table l] is added to various hydro-. carbon liquids in controlled quantities and at controlled temperatures. Before and after mixing, the vol ume of consolidating fluid is measured and the quantitative distribution of dissolved and dispersed phases determined. The results of these tests are shown in Table "in. v.

TABLE 11 QUANTITATIVE DISTRIBUTION OF FURFURYL ALCOHOL RESIN CONSOLIDATING FLUID IN VARIOUS HYDRQCARBDN LIQUIDS Diesel oil Aromatic oil Mineral oil Quantity of Quantity of Quantity Quantity of Quantity of Quantity, Quantity of Quantity of Quantity Quantity consoliduconsolida of'oil con's'olid'a- 'consolidaof oil consoliduconsolidnof oil of consolting fluid ting fluid dissolved ting fluid tins fluid dissolved tins fluid ting fluid dissolved idating ,dissolved dispersed in consolidissolved dispersed in consolidissolved dispersed in consolifluid mixed in oil. in oil. dating fluid, in oil. in oil, dating fluid. in oil, in oil, dating fluid. with hydro- Tempercent by percent by percent by percent by percent by percent by percent by percent by percent by carbon liquid peravolume of volume of volume of volume of volume of volume of volume of volume of volume of percent by ture-of original original original original original original original original original volume in fluids. consolidaconsolidaconsolidaconsolida-" consolidaconsolidaconsolidaconsolidaconsolida mixture F ting fluid ting fluid ting fluid ting fluid ting fluid ting fluid ting fluid ting fluid ting fluid 5 I05 20.8 79.2 40.6 59.4 4 100.0 8.9 5 4.11.2 58.8 60 8' 39.2 100.0 2.0 5 200 i 18.2 19.2 j 100.0 15 I05 I5 I40 15 200 20 l05 20 140 No. 2 standard commercial grade diesel oil.

-' Oil mixture containing a high aromatic content (medium aromatic oil 1 11x 11 manufactured by Shell Chemical Co.). a Standard grade mineral oil (KAYDOL, manufactured by Sannoborn Chemical Co.).

4 In these mixtures a portion of the oil becomes dissolved in the resulting consolidating fluid and the consolidating fluid-oil solution is dispersed as an immiscible phase in the remaining oil.

5 See Table 1 under Furfuryl Alcohol Resin Consolidatingfluid. Compo itionjA).

From Table II it can be seen that the quantitative distribution of the furfuryl alcohol resin consolidating fluid can be effectively controlled by varying the quantitative ratios of consolidating fluid and hydrocarbon liquid used, the temperature of the mixture and the composition of the hydrocarbon. Further, it will be noted that there exists a transition point wherein the consolidating fluid dissolves a portion of the hydrocarbon liquid and the resulting consolidating fluidhydrocarbon liquid solution is dispersed as an immiscible phase in the remaining oil. When the furfuryl alcohol resin consolidating fluid is combined with diesel oil and aromatic oil; the transition point occurs .at the higher consolidating fluid to oil ratios. When the consolidating fluid is combined with mineral oil, the transition point occurs at the lower quantitative ratios of consolidating fluid to hydrocarbon liquid.

EXAMPLE 2 The solubility of furfuryl alcohol in diesel oil (No. 2 standard commercial grade) at various temperatures is illustrated in Table III below.

From the data presented in Table III, it can be seen TABLE III SOLUBILITY OF FURFURY L ALCOHOL 1N DIESEL OIL AT VARIOUS TEMPERATURES Solubility of Furfuryl Alcohol Temperature, "F

% by Volume in Oil that the solubility of furfuryl alcohol a self-polymerizable monomer, in diesel oil can be effectively controlled by controlling the temperature at which the furfuryl alcohol-diesel oil mixture exists.

EXAMPLE 3 A furfuryl alcohol resin consolidating fluid [composition (B) shown in Table I] i'sfadded to diesel oil in controlled quantities at controlled temperatures. Before and after mixing, the volume of consolidating fluid is measured and the quantitative distribution of dissolved and dispersed phases determined. The results of thesetests are shown in Table IV below:

TABLE Iv QUANTITATIVE DISTRIBUTION OF FURFURYL ALCOHOL'RESIN coNsottoATl o FLUID 1 IN DIESEL OIL'Z I Quantity .ofconsolidating fluid mixed with diesel oil, percent Test temperature, F

. by volume in'mixture Quantityofconsolidatingfluid .Quantity of consolidating fluid dissolv in il. P y dispersed asanimmiscible phase volume of original consolidatin oil, percent by volume of ing fluid original consolidating fluid 4.1 5.7 94.3 4.1 20.2 79.8 126 4.1 26.5 73.5 v 4.1 46.0 54.0 80 7.9 2.2 97.8 105 7.9 4.7 95.3 126 7.9 8.0 92.0 175 7.9 36.7 i 63.3' 80 12.5 0.9 99.1 I05 12.5 0.9 99.1 126 12.5 1.9 98.1 175 12.5 16.9 83.]

See Table I under Futfuryl Alcohol Resin Consolidating Fluid. Composition (B).

i No. 2 standard commercial grade diesel oil.

From the data presented in Table IV, the control of the quantitative distribution of consolidating fluid in diesel oil by controlling the quantitative ratio of consolidating fluid to oil used and the temperature of the mix,- ture is illustrated. Further, a comparison of the data 10 mixture (Table I) is combined with various hydrocarbon liquids and the quantitative distribution between dissolved and dispersed phases determined in the same manner as described in Example 1. The results of these tests are shown in Table V.

TABLE v QUANTITATIVE DISTRIBUTION OF PHENOL-FORMALDEI-IYDE RESIN CONSOLIDATING FLUID? IN VARIOUS HYDROCARBON LIQUIDS Diesel oil" Aromatic oil 2 Quantity of consolidating fluid mixed with hydrocarbon liquid, percent by Temperature of Quantity of consoli- Quantity of consolidating fluid dissolved dating fluid dispersed in oil, percent by in oil, percent by volume of original volume of original Quantity of consolidating fluid dispersed in oil, percent by volume of original volume in mixture H fluids. F consolidating fluid consolidating fluid consolidating fluid consolidating fluid No. 2 standard commercial grade diesel oil.

2 ()0 mixture containing a high aromatic contenl (medium aromatic oil mixture manufactured by Shell Chemical Co.)

See Table I.

given in Tables II and IV illustrates that the quantitative distribution of the consolidating fluid between dis-- solved and dispersed phases is also controlled by varying the consolidating fluid component ratios.

EXAMPLE 4 The phenol-formaldehyde resin consolidating fluid EXAMPLE 5 TABLE VI QUANTITATIVE DISTRIBUTION OF EPOXY RESIN: CONSOLIDATING FLUID IN VARIOUS HYDROCARBON LIQUIDS Diesel Oil Aromatic Oil Quantity of Quantity of Quantity of Quantity of Quantity of consolidating fluid consolidating fluid consolidating fluid consolidating fluid consolidating fluid mixed with dissolved in oil, dispersed in oil. dissolved in oil. dispersed in oil. Quantity of hydrocarbon liquid. percent by volume percent'by volume percent by volume percent by volume oil dissolved in percent by volume in Temperature of of original of original of original of original consolidating fluid oil mixture fluids "F consolidating fluid consolidating fluid consolidating fluid consolidating fluid percent by volume No. 2 standard commercial grade diesel oil.

2 Oil mixture containing a high aromatic content (medium aromatic oil mixture manufactured by Shell Chemical Co.'). In these mixtures a portion of the oil becomes dissolved in the consolidating fluid and the consolidating fluid-oil solution is dispersed as an immiscible phase in the remaining oil.

See Table l.

The opcrability of the method of the present invention particularly the ability to control the quantitative distribution of various consolidating fluids between dissolved and dispersed portions in various hydrocarbon carrier liquids and/or the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in the consolidating fluid is illustrated by Tables 11 through VI above.

EXAMPLE 6 Thr furfuryl alcohol resin consolidating fluid [composition (A) shown in Table I} is combined with diesel oil in various quantities at various temperatures and the viscosities of the resultant dispersed immiscible consolidating fluid portions determined. The results of these tests are shown in Table VII below:

TABLE VII VISCOSITY OF DISPERSED IMMISCIBLE PHASE OF FURFURYL ALCOHOL RESIN CONSOLIDATING FLUID IN DIESEL OIL Viscosity of dispersed phase of Quantity of consoli dating fluid mixed Temperature of See Table I under Furfuryl Alcohol Resin Consolidating Fluid, Composition (A).

2 No. 2 standard commercial grade diesel oil.

Measured at the temperature of fluids indicated in table.

EXAMPLE 7 A furfuryl alcohol consolidating fluid [composition (B) shown in Table I] is combined with diesel oil in various quantities at different temperatures, and the viscosities of the resultant dispersed immiscible consolidating fluid portions determined. The results of these tests are shown in Table VIII below:

TABLE VIII VISCOSITIES OF 'DISPERSED IMMISCIBLE PHASES OF FURFURYL ALCOHOL RESIN CONSOLIDATING FLUID IN DIESEL OIL dating fluid mixed Temperature of persed phase of with hydrocarbon fluids, F consolidating fluid, liquid, percent by cps" volume in mixture 100% Consolidating fluid (No oil) 80 27.3

4.1 51.7 7.9 80 40.5 12.5 80 28.5 Consolidating fluid (No oil) 15.0 4.1 105 54.2 7.9 105 37.0 12.5 105 18.7 100% Consolidating fluid (No oil) 126 12.3 4.1 126 71.8 7.9 126 30.8 12.5 126 15.4 100 0 Consolidating fluid (No oil) 7.2 4.1 175 99.6 7.9 175 27.2 12.5 175 11.5

See Table I under Furfuryl Alcohol Resin Consolidating Fluid, Composition (B).

No. 2 standard co nmercial grade diese l o l.

Measured at the temperature of fluids indicated in table.

From the foregoing it can be seen that the viscosity of the dispersed immiscible consolidating fluid can be.

increased and maintained at a desired level at elevated temperatures by controlling the quantitative distribution of the consolidating fluid between dissolved and dispersed phases. This is particularly important in consolidating loose sands and the like at elevated temperatures in that once the relatively viscous dispersed consolidating fluid is deposited on the loose sands, it is not readily washed off by less viscous carrier or overflush liquids.

EXAMPLE 8 The phenol-formaldehyde resin consolidating fluid (Table I) is combined with diesel oil and the viscosity of the dispersed portion determined in the same manner as described in Example 6 above. The results of these tests are given in Table IX.

TABLE IX VISCOSITY DISPERSED PHASE OF,

PHENOL-FORMALDEHYDE RESIN CON- SOLIDATING FLUID IN DIESEL OIL Quantity of consolidating fluid mixed with hydrocarbon liquid, percent by Viscosity of dispersed Tempergture of phase of consolidating volume by mixture flUldS F fluid, cps

100% Consolidating fluid (No diesel oil) 105 31.5 10 105 63.5 30 105 41.5 100% Consolidating fluid (No oil) 200 9.5 10 200 94.3 30 200 18.0

See Table I.

2 No. 2 standard commercial grade diesel oil. 3 Measured at the temperature of fluids indicated in table.

EXAMPLE 9 The epoxy resin consolidating fluid (Table I) is combined with diesel oil and the viscosity of the dispersed immiscible portion determined in the same manner described in Example 6 above. The results of these tests are given in Table X.

TABLEX VISCOSITY OF DISPERSED IMMISCIBLE PHASE OF EPOXY RESIN CONSOLI- DATING FLUID IN DIESEL OIL Quantity of consolidating fluid mixed with hydrocarbon Viscosity of dispersed liquid, percent by 2 No. 2 standard commercial grade diesel oil.

' Measured at the temperature of fluids indiucted in table.

VISCOSITIES OF DISPERSED IMMISCIBLE PHASE OF FURFURYL ALCO- tant ratios,and the composition of the oil. As mentioned above, this is particularly advantageous in that it is desirable that the consolidating fluid retain body or EXAMPLE Samples of the furfuryl alcohol consolidating fluid [composition (A) shownin Table I] are combined with diesel oil in a particular quantity at a particular temperature. Prior to combining the consolidating fluid samples withthe disc] oil, various quantities of the monomeric material contained f in the consolidating fluid (furfuryl alcohol) are combined with the diesel oil. The viscosities of the resultant dispersed immiscible consolidatingfluid portions are shown in Table XI below.

TABLE XI HOL RESIN 'CONSOLIDA-TING FLUID IN DIESEL O'IL CONTAINING VARYING QUANTITIES OF FURFURYL ALCOHOL Quantity of consolidating fluid lost to oil, percent 200 F viscosity, "cps of dispersed Furfuryl alcohol, percent by volume Quantity of dissolved in the oil immiscible of the-original consolidating fluid prior to adding consolidating volume mixed with mixed with oil Temperature, F consolidating fluid fluid phase oil 5 200 0 96.5 80.8 5 200 3 7.9 42.3 5 200 5 4.5 32.6 100 consolidating fluid (no oil).......... 200

' See Table 1 under Furfuryl Alcohol Consolidating Fluid, Composition (A). I

2 No. 2 standard commercial grade diesel oil.

FromTable X it canbe seen that the viscosity of the dispersed immiscible phase of the epoxy resinconsolidating fluid does not change appreciably with'changes in the quantitative distribution thereof between dis-- solved and dispersed portions. However, the effective viscosity of the dissolved consolidating fluid is much lower (the disc] oil has a viscosity of less than 3 cps at 105 F) than the pure consolidating fluid 10.7 cps at 105 F) thereby allowing the introduction of the consolidating fluid into and through formations of low permeability.

From Tableslll through IX it may clearly be seen that the viscosity of the dispersed immiscible portion of I consolidating fluid in a hydrocarbon carrier liquidcan be effectively regulated by controlling the quantities of consolidating fluid and hydrocarbon liquid used and the temperature of the mixture as well as the composition of thc consolidating fluid, consolidating fluid reac- From the foregoing it maybe seen that the viscosity of the resultant dispersed immiscible phase of consoli datingfluid can be varied by adding a controlled quantity of monomeric material to the hydrocarbon liquid prior to adding the consolidating fluid thereto.

EXAMPLE '1 1 through each tube comprised of 2 percent by volume trichloroacetic acid in diesel oil. After the above treatment, each tube is placed in a 140 F water bath and allowed to cure for 24 hours. The resulting consolidations are cooled to 80 F and compressive strength and air permeability tests made in a conventional manner. The results of these tests are given in Table XII.

TABLE XII COMPARISON OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS'AND PERMEABILITIES OF SIMULATED CLAYEY SAND CONSOLIDATIONS USING FURFURYL ALCOHOL RESIN CONSOLI- DATING FLUID Quantity ofconsolidating fluid mixed with diesel oil Treating (are 80 "F Compressive Air permeability.

percent by volume in mixture temperature.F temperature.F strength (psi) darcies See Table 1 under Furfuryl Alcohol Consolidating Fluid. Composition (A).

'- No. 2 standard commercial grade diesel oil. "Consolidating fluid not mixed with oil.

From the above it may be seen that clayey sands can be treated by the method-of the present invention.

EXAMPLE 12 A furfuryl alcohol resin consolidating fluid [composition (B) shown in Table I] is combined with diesel oil in various quantities so that the quantitative distribution of the consolidating fluid between dissolved and TABLE XIII v COMPARISON OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS AND AIR PERMEABILITIES OF SAND CONSOLIDATIONS PREPARED USING FURFURYL ALCOHOL RESIN CONSOLIDAT- ING FLUID OIL' -SAND MIXTURES Quantity of Quantity of consolidating fluid consolidating fluid Interface permeability.

mixed with diesel gallons/ pounds Compressive darcies between oil. percent by sand Treating Cure strength. psi ,pack and simulated volume in mixture equivalent temperature F temperature F of pack sand formation sand 4.1 1.5 2896 7.2 7.9 3.0 105 140 2310 7.7 12.5 5.0 105 140 1411 11.3 4.1 1.5 126 3702 7.8 7.9 3.0 126 175 3010 8.0 I15 5.0 126 175 I665 ll.4 4.1 1.5 175 230 5862 13.5 7.9 3.0 175 230 3875 13.2 12.5 5.0 175 230 2054 14 See Table I under Furfuryl Alcohol Consolidating No. 2 standard commercial grade diesel oil.

dispersed portions is varied. Particulated solids (40-60 mesh sand, U.S. Sieve Series) in amounts of about 1 pound per gallon of consolidating fluid-oil mixture are added to the consolidating fluid-oil mixtures so that the solids are coated with consolidating fluid. The resulting consolidating fluid-oil-solids mixtures are agitated and thetemperatures thereof gradually raised for periods of time to simulate pumping the mixtures into a subterranean formation and to simulate the temperature rise Fluid. Composition (B).

While preferred embodiments of the present inven which will subsequently become incompetent in a subterranean formation comprising the steps of:

combining a consolidating fluid with a hydrocarbon liquid so that a portion of the consolidating fluid is dissolved and a portion is dispersed in an immiscible phase in the hydrocarbon liquid;

controlling the quantitative distribution of the consolidating fluid between the dissolved and dispersed immiscible phases thereof;

introducing the resultant consolidating fluidhydrocarbon liquid mixture into the formation; and causing the consolidating fluid to harden thereby consolidating the loose sands into a hard permeable mass.

.2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of controlling the quantitative distribution of the consolidating fluid between the dissolved and dispersed immiscible phases thereof comprises controlling the quantitative ratio of consolidating fluid to hydrocarbon liquid used.

3, The method of claim 2 wherein the step of controlling the quantitative distribution of the consolidating fluid between the dissolved and dispersed phases thereof is further characterized to include the step of controlling the temperature of the resulting consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon mixture.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of a monomeric material and a resin selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, urea formaldehyde resin, melamine resin and epoxy resin.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of phenols, formaldehydes, furfuryl alcohol and furfural. 4

6. The method of claim 3 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of polyester resin and styrene.

7. The method of claim 3 wherein the consolidating fluid is a monomeric material capable of self-po1ymeri-,

zation.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol, furfural and styrene. I

9. The method of claim 3.wherein the consolidatin fluid is a mixture of monomeric materials capable of copolymerization with each other. v

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the mixture of monomeric materials is selected from the group consisting of a mixture of phenol and formaldehyde and a mixture of urea and formaldehyde.

11. The method of claim 3 wherein the consolidating fluid is acid curable and is selected from the group consisting of a mixture comprised of urea-formaldehyde ing the consolidating fluid to harden in the formation comprises introducing a hydrocarbon overflush solution containing a hardening agent into the formation so that the consolidating fluid is contacted thereby.

14. A method .of preventing the migration of loose sands and the like with the movement of fluids through a subterranean formation comprising the'steps of:

combining a consolidating fluid with a. hydrocarbon liquidso that a portion of the consolidating fluidis The method of claim 14 wherein the, step of controlling the quantitative distribution of the consolidating fluid between the dissolved and dispersed immiscible phases thereof comprises controlling the quantitative ratio of consolidating fluid to hydrocarbon liquid used. 7

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of controlling the quantitative distribution of consolidating fluid between the dissolved and dispersed immiscible phases thereof is further characterized to include controlling the temperature of the consolidating fluidhydrocarbon liquid mixture.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of a monomeric material and a resin selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, urea formaldehyde resin, melamine resin and epoxy resin.

18. The method of claim 17" wherein the monomeric material is selected from the groupconsisting of phe nols, formaldehydes, furfuryl alcohol and furfural.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein the consolidating'fluid is a mixture of polyester resin and styrene.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein the consolidating fluid is, a monomeric material capable of self-polymerization.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the monomeric material is selected fromthe group consisting of furfuryl alcohol, furfural and styrene.

22. The method of claim 16 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of monomeric materials capable of copolymerization with each other.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the mixture of monomeric materials is selected from the group consisting of a mixture of phenol and formaldehyde and a mixture of urea and formaldehyde.

24. The method of claim 16 wherein the consolidat ing fluid is acid curable and is selected from the group consisting of a mixture comprised of ureaformaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcohol, a mixture comprised of phenol-formaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcoholand a mixture comprised of furfuryl alcohol resin and furfuryl alcohol. v

25.'The method of claim 16 wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is'sclected from the group consisting of diesel oils, kerosenes, petroleum oil crudes, mineral oils and aromatic oils.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the step of causing the consolidating fluid to harden in the formation comprises introducing a hydrocarbon overflush solution containing a hardening agent into the formation so that the consolidating fluid is contacted thereby.

27. A method of consolidating loose sands and the like in a subterranean formation comprising the steps of:

combining a consolidating fluid with a hydrocarbon liquid so that a portion of the hydrocarbon liquid is dissolved in the consolidating fluid and the resulting consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid solution is dispersed as an immiscible phase in the remaining hydrocarbon liquid;

controlling the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in the consolidating fluid; introducing the resultant consolidating fluidhydrocarbon liquid mixture into the formation; and

causing the consolidating fluid to harden thereby consolidating the loose sands into a hard permeable mass.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the step of controlling the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in the consolidating fluid comprises controlling the quantitative ratio of consolidating fluid to hydrocarbon liquid used.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein the step of controlling the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in the consolidating fluid is further characterized to include controlling the temperature of the consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid dispersion.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of a monomeric material and a resin selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, urea formaldehyde resin, melamine resin and epoxy resin.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of phenols, formaldehydes, furfuryl alcohol and furfural' 32. The method of claim 29 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of polyester resin and styrene.

33. The method of claim 29 wherein the consolidating fluid is a monomeric material capable of self-polymerization.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol, furfural and styrene.

35. The method of claim 29 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of monomeric materials capable of copolymerization with each other.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein the mixture of monomeric materials is selected from the group consisting of a mixture of phenol and formaldehyde and a mixture of urea and formaldehyde.

37. The method of claim 29 wherein the consolidating fluid is acid curable and is selected from the group consisting of a mixture comprised of ureaformaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcohol, a mixture comprised of phenol formaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcohol, and a mixture comprised of a furfuryl alcohol resin and furfuryl alcohol.

38. The method of claim 29 wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is selected from the group consisting of diesel oils, kcroscncs, petroleum oil crudes, mineral oils and aromatic oils.

39. The method of claim 38 wherein the step of causing the consolidating fluid to harden in the formation comprises introducing a hydrocarbon overflush solution containing a hardening agent into the formation so that the consolidating fluid is contacted thereby.

40. A method of preventing the migration of loose sands and the like with the movement of fluids through a subterranean formation comprising the steps of:

combining a consolidating fluid with a hydrocarbon liquid so that a portion of the hydrocarbon liquid is'dissolved in the consolidating fluid and the resulting consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid solution is dispersed in the remaining hydrocarbon liquid;

controlling the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in he consolidating fluid;

introducing a quantity of particulated solids into the consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid dispersion so that the particulated solids are coated with consolidating fluid; introducing the resultant consolidating fluid-solidshydrocarbon liquid mixture into the formation; and

causing the consolidating fluid to harden thereby consolidating the particulated solids and a portion of the loose sands into a hard permeable mass.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein the step of controlling the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in the consolidating fluid comprises controlling the quantitative ratio of consolidating fluid to hydrocarbon liquid used.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein the step of controlling the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in the consolidating fluid is further characterized to include controlling the temperature of the consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid dispersion.

43. The ,method of claim 42 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of a monomeric material and a resin selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alochol resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, urea formaldehyde resin, melamine resin and epoxy resin.

44. The method of claim 43 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of phenols, formaldehydes, furfuryl alcohol and furfural.

45. The method of claim 42 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of polyester resin and styrene.

46. The method of claim 42 wherein the consolidating fluid is a monomeric material capable of self-polymerization.

47. The method of claim 46 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol, furfural and styrene.

48. The method of claim 42 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of monomeric materials capable of copolymerization with each other.

49. The method of claim 48 wherein the mixture of monomeric materials is selected from the group consisting of a mixture of phenol and formaldehyde and a mixture of urea and formaldehyde.

50. The method of claim 42 wherein the consolidating fluid is acid curable and is selected from the group consisting of a mixture comprised of ureaformaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcohol, a mixture comprised of phenol-formaldehyderesin and furfuryl alcohol, and a mixture comprised of furfuryl alcohol resin and furfuryl alcohol.

51. The method of claim 42 wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is selected from the group consisting of diesel oils, kerosenes, petroleum oil crudes, mineral oils and aromatic oils.

52. The method of claim 51 wherein the step of causing the consolidating fluid to harden in the formation comprises introducing a hydrocarbon overflush solution containing a hardening agent into the formation so that the consolidating fluid is contacted by the hardening agent.

UNITED S' I ATES I ATE NT OFFICE 1 Kiwi CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 776,311 Dated Dec. 4, 1973 Inventor(s) James D. Carnes; Bill M. Young; Kenneth D. Totty It is certified that error appears in the above-identifiedpatent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 3, delete "This" and insert -That--.' Column 3, line 27, delete "adl'. and insert --and- Column 4, line 44, delete "precedures" and insert procedures--. I

Column 5 line 26, delete "resins" and insert resin-- Column 6, line 33, delete the double image.

Column ll, line 10, correct "Thr" to read The-- Column ll, Table VIII, the beginning of the first heading should read Quantity of Consoliand the beginning of the third heading should read Viscosity of dis- Column 20, line 7, "he" should read -the-.

Signed and sealed this 21st day of May 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD ILFLETCZZEELJR. G. E'ZARSL'HALL DANA? Attesting Officer -"3ommi'ssione1" of Patents F ORM PO-IOSO (10-69) USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 u.s. aovzmmzm' PRINTING OFFICE: I! o-zu-su. 

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of controlling the quantitative distribution of the consolidating fluid between the dissolved and dispersed immiscible phases thereof comprises controlling the quantitative ratio of consolidating fluid to hydrocarbon liquid used.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of controlling the quantitative distribution of the consolidating fluid between the dissolved and dispersed phases thereof is further characterized to include the step of controlling the temperature of the resulting consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon mixture.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of a monomeric material and a resin selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, urea formaldehyde resin, melamine resin and epoxy resin.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of phenols, formaldehydes, furfuryl alcohol and furfural.
 6. The method of claim 3 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of polyester resin and styrene.
 7. The method of claim 3 wherein the consolidating fluid is a monomeric material capable of self-polymerization.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol, furfural and styrene.
 9. The method of claim 3 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of monomeric materials capable of copolymerization with each oTher.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the mixture of monomeric materials is selected from the group consisting of a mixture of phenol and formaldehyde and a mixture of urea and formaldehyde.
 11. The method of claim 3 wherein the consolidating fluid is acid curable and is selected from the group consisting of a mixture comprised of urea-formaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcohol, a mixture comprised of phenol-formaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcohol, and a mixture comprised of furfuryl alcohol resin and furfuryl alcohol.
 12. The method of claim 3 wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is selected from the group consisting of diesel oils, kerosenes, petroleum oil crudes, mineral oils and aromatic oils.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of causing the consolidating fluid to harden in the formation comprises introducing a hydrocarbon overflush solution containing a hardening agent into the formation so that the consolidating fluid is contacted thereby.
 14. A method of preventing the migration of loose sands and the like with the movement of fluids through a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: combining a consolidating fluid with a hydrocarbon liquid so that a portion of the consolidating fluid is dissolved and a portion thereof is dispersed as an immiscible phase in the hydrocarbon liquid; controlling the quantitative distribution of the consolidating fluid between the dissolved phase and the dispersed immiscible phase thereof; introducing a quantity of particulated solids into the consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid mixture so that the particulated solids are coated with consolidating fluid; introducing the resultant consolidating fluid-solids-hydrocarbon liquid mixture into the formation; and causing the consolidating fluid to harden thereby consolidating the particulated solids and a portion of the loose sands into a hard permeable mass.
 15. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of controlling the quantitative distribution of the consolidating fluid between the dissolved and dispersed immiscible phases thereof comprises controlling the quantitative ratio of consolidating fluid to hydrocarbon liquid used.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of controlling the quantitative distribution of consolidating fluid between the dissolved and dispersed immiscible phases thereof is further characterized to include controlling the temperature of the consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid mixture.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of a monomeric material and a resin selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, urea formaldehyde resin, melamine resin and epoxy resin.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of phenols, formaldehydes, furfuryl alcohol and furfural.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of polyester resin and styrene.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the consolidating fluid is a monomeric material capable of self-polymerization.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol, furfural and styrene.
 22. The method of claim 16 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of monomeric materials capable of copolymerization with each other.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the mixture of monomeric materials is selected from the group consisting of a mixture of phenol and formaldehyde and a mixture of urea and formaldehyde.
 24. The method of claim 10 wherein the consolidating fluid is acid curable and is selected from the group consisting of a mixture comprised of urea-formaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcohol, a mixture comprised of phenol-formaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcohol and a mixture comprised of furfuryl alcohol resin and furfuryl alcohol.
 25. The method of claim 16 wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is selected from the group cOnsisting of diesel oils, kerosenes, petroleum oil crudes, mineral oils and aromatic oils.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the step of causing the consolidating fluid to harden in the formation comprises introducing a hydrocarbon overflush solution containing a hardening agent into the formation so that the consolidating fluid is contacted thereby.
 27. A method of consolidating loose sands and the like in a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: combining a consolidating fluid with a hydrocarbon liquid so that a portion of the hydrocarbon liquid is dissolved in the consolidating fluid and the resulting consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid solution is dispersed as an immiscible phase in the remaining hydrocarbon liquid; controlling the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in the consolidating fluid; introducing the resultant consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid mixture into the formation; and causing the consolidating fluid to harden thereby consolidating the loose sands into a hard permeable mass.
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein the step of controlling the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in the consolidating fluid comprises controlling the quantitative ratio of consolidating fluid to hydrocarbon liquid used.
 29. The method of claim 28 wherein the step of controlling the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in the consolidating fluid is further characterized to include controlling the temperature of the consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid dispersion.
 30. The method of claim 29 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of a monomeric material and a resin selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, urea formaldehyde resin, melamine resin and epoxy resin.
 31. The method of claim 30 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of phenols, formaldehydes, furfuryl alcohol and furfural.
 32. The method of claim 29 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of polyester resin and styrene.
 33. The method of claim 29 wherein the consolidating fluid is a monomeric material capable of self-polymerization.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol, furfural and styrene.
 35. The method of claim 29 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of monomeric materials capable of copolymerization with each other.
 36. The method of claim 35 wherein the mixture of monomeric materials is selected from the group consisting of a mixture of phenol and formaldehyde and a mixture of urea and formaldehyde.
 37. The method of claim 29 wherein the consolidating fluid is acid curable and is selected from the group consisting of a mixture comprised of urea-formaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcohol, a mixture comprised of phenol-formaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcohol, and a mixture comprised of a furfuryl alcohol resin and furfuryl alcohol.
 38. The method of claim 29 wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is selected from the group consisting of diesel oils, kerosenes, petroleum oil crudes, mineral oils and aromatic oils.
 39. The method of claim 38 wherein the step of causing the consolidating fluid to harden in the formation comprises introducing a hydrocarbon overflush solution containing a hardening agent into the formation so that the consolidating fluid is contacted thereby.
 40. A method of preventing the migration of loose sands and the like with the movement of fluids through a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: combining a consolidating fluid with a hydrocarbon liquid so that a portion of the hydrocarbon liquid is dissolved in the consolidating fluid and the resulting consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid solution is dispersed in the remaining hydrocarbon liquid; controlling the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in he consolidating fluid; introducing a quantity of particulated solids into the consolidating fluid-hyDrocarbon liquid dispersion so that the particulated solids are coated with consolidating fluid; introducing the resultant consolidating fluid-solids-hydrocarbon liquid mixture into the formation; and causing the consolidating fluid to harden thereby consolidating the particulated solids and a portion of the loose sands into a hard permeable mass.
 41. The method of claim 40 wherein the step of controlling the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in the consolidating fluid comprises controlling the quantitative ratio of consolidating fluid to hydrocarbon liquid used.
 42. The method of claim 41 wherein the step of controlling the quantity of hydrocarbon liquid dissolved in the consolidating fluid is further characterized to include controlling the temperature of the consolidating fluid-hydrocarbon liquid dispersion.
 43. The method of claim 42 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of a monomeric material and a resin selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alochol resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, urea formaldehyde resin, melamine resin and epoxy resin.
 44. The method of claim 43 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of phenols, formaldehydes, furfuryl alcohol and furfural.
 45. The method of claim 42 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of polyester resin and styrene.
 46. The method of claim 42 wherein the consolidating fluid is a monomeric material capable of self-polymerization.
 47. The method of claim 46 wherein the monomeric material is selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol, furfural and styrene.
 48. The method of claim 42 wherein the consolidating fluid is a mixture of monomeric materials capable of copolymerization with each other.
 49. The method of claim 48 wherein the mixture of monomeric materials is selected from the group consisting of a mixture of phenol and formaldehyde and a mixture of urea and formaldehyde.
 50. The method of claim 42 wherein the consolidating fluid is acid curable and is selected from the group consisting of a mixture comprised of urea-formaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcohol, a mixture comprised of phenol-formaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcohol, and a mixture comprised of furfuryl alcohol resin and furfuryl alcohol.
 51. The method of claim 42 wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is selected from the group consisting of diesel oils, kerosenes, petroleum oil crudes, mineral oils and aromatic oils.
 52. The method of claim 51 wherein the step of causing the consolidating fluid to harden in the formation comprises introducing a hydrocarbon overflush solution containing a hardening agent into the formation so that the consolidating fluid is contacted by the hardening agent. 